A Rome man was shot by his wife with a high-caliber handgun during a domestic dispute on Monday, July 28.

Police report that at approximately 6:15 a.m., 33-year-old Craig James Knight, of Rome, entered 399 Brice Rd., Silver Creek, looking for his estranged wife.

Rhonda Knight, 34, had been staying at the residence since the couple’s separation. On July 28, Craig Knight obtained a key from the homeowner’s former girlfriend, 33-year-old Tracy Newberry of Rome, and used it to gain entry to the Silver Creek residence.

Eric Luallen, no age given, told police that as he on the couch in his Brice Rd. home, Craig Knight unlocked the front door and walked into the residence. The suspect reportedly demanded to see Rhonda Knight.

Luallen walked towards a back bedroom to wake Rhonda Knight when the suspect backed him into a corner. As Craig Knight hit Luallen, the homeowner allegedly told Rhonda Knight, “Shoot him before he kills us.”

The suspect’s wife said, out of fear for her and Luallen’s safety, aimed a .357 Magnum handgun towards the floor and fired a single shot. The bullet reportedly penetrated a mattress, and struck Craig Knight in the leg.

Following the shot, the suspect limped out the door and left in his black Nissan pickup truck.

Police said that Rhonda Knight is not expected to face criminal charges. “It appears to us that it was a case of self-defense,” Captain Ray Sullivan said. “There have been prior reports in Floyd County of domestic violence between the two.”

While his wife may not be prosecuted, Craig James is currently being sought by police. “The aggressor had left the scene on his own free will after being shot,” said Sullivan. “He got in and out of the medical center before we could arrest him. Warrants were taken on Craig James Knight by us on multiple charges.”

Newberry, he said, could also face charges of being a party to a crime.